The Bengals and Fifth Third Bank teamed up for Huddle for Hunger to support the Freestore Foodbank during Hunger Action Month. Bengals players and staff along with Fifth Third employees created 4,000 Bengals-themed Power Packs that will be distributed to 1,000 children across 20 schools each week in October.

"Huddle for Hunger helps to ensure students have access to nourishing food and the support of a caring community," said Bengals Director of Community Engagement Taylor Conklin. "We are grateful to partner with Fifth Third on this important initiative that supports Freestore Foodbank's mission to improve lives by eliminating hunger."

Each Power Pack contains over a dozen food items, which are shelf-stable and kid-friendly. Freestore Foodbank will send the Power Packs home with students on Fridays to ensure they have something to eat on the weekends.

"Cincinnati is home for Fifth Third, and supporting our community is at the heart of what we do," said Dan Feldmann, President (Cincinnati Region), Fifth Third Bank. "Food insecurity is a challenge we take seriously, and we're proud to team up with the Bengals and Freestore Foodbank through Huddle for Hunger to help students get the food they need to succeed."

Childhood hunger is a serious issue in the United States with one in six children facing food insecurity.

"Power Packs are a vital part of the work Freestore Foodbank does in the community," said Freestore Foodbank Vice President and Chief Development Officer Trisha Rayner. "Research shows that hungry children are more likely to be absent from school, lack focus and energy, and be vulnerable to illness. We appreciate the support from the Bengals and Fifth Third to help reduce food insecurity by providing children with non-perishable food that is healthy and easy to prepare."

Thousands of children primarily between the ages of six and 12 receive Power Packs from Freestore Foodbank each week. For more information, visit freestorefoodbank.org/power-pack/.